The ISPCA is appealing for information regarding an abandoned donkey found with severely overgrown hooves.

The donkey was rescued by ISPCA Inspector David Walsh in Feenagh, Co. Limerick.

ISPCA said the overgrown hooves are a sign of neglect Photo: ISPCA

Inspector Walsh responded to a call made to the ISPCA National Animal Cruelty Helpline and discovered a grey middle aged male stallion donkey running loose in a laneway through a farm.

Walsh said: “This kind of neglect is easily preventable with regular farrier treatment, and there is no excuse to let a donkey get into this state. This neglect would have taken some time, and would have been extremely uncomfortable for him.”

The donkey was immediately removed and brought to the Equine Rescue Centre in Mallow and examined by a vet.

According to the ISPCA the donkey was bright and alert and in good general health, but his mobility was impeded by his overgrown hooves which were trimmed to alleviate his suffering.

The donkey was not microchipped and investigations are continuing to locate an owner.

The charity said hoof care is an important part of responsible donkey ownership donkeys need their hooves trimmed every six to ten weeks to prevent common conditions and overgrown hooves causing unnecessary suffering.

The donkey's hooves have been cut Photo: ISPCA

The donkey has since been transferred to the Donkey Sanctuary for rehabilitation and we expect he will make a full recovery and will be available for rehoming once he has fully recovered.

If you have any information regarding this donkey, please contact the ISPCA National Animal Cruelty Helpline in confidence on 1890 515 515 or report online here www.ispca.ie/cruelty_complaint.